If you’re new to the blogging game or have been inconsistently blogging for a while, then you might not know what affiliate links are, how they work, and what value they bring you and your readers. Thus, I’ve made this lovely little beginner guide to affiliate links graphic for you, (feel free to Pin or repost anywhere).
Affiliate links are the greatest gift the digital world has to offer. I don’t know the exact percent but judging by my own actions, I do a lot of my shopping online, like a lot, and I can only assume other bloggers and consumers do the same. Our world is changing and everything is becoming digital (read more about the future of blogging) so it’s no surprise brands want to offer an incentive to get their products in front of the eyes of millions. And the best way to do that is through affiliate links.
how affiliate programs work
Affiliate links are unique links that a brand or third party website provides for you to use which is tracked internally. Now obviously I’m not a software engineer or anything so I really don’t know how they track it, but they do. With every click and/or purchase made from your affiliate link, you make a percent or set dollar amount.
For example, I have an affiliate program for my eGuide, anyone can sign up and when you use your own link I give you 50% of your sales, yes 50%! If you sell 100 a month at $58 a pop, that’s a nice little income stream you have going. And the best part is you don’t have to do a thing, it’s there if people want, otherwise, they can just keep browsing.
Some bloggers make the mistake of posting their affiliate link products everywhere, like on their sidebars, in a banner across the top, at the footer, etc. This is a “push” sales tactic that usually does not work because people feel pressured into buying something and it’s just plain annoying.
Most bloggers, myself included, use affiliate links as an added bonus experience by listing the products we use or love at the moment. I want to give my readers the best, so I’m going to bring the best stuff that will enhance their lives in some way, even if it’s the latest denim trends. Any respectable blogger feels the same.
how you benefit from affiliate links
You benefit monetarily, obviously. I mean, you’re getting money just by people clicking on a link! That’s pretty incredible.
Affiliate links are also beneficial to you and your readers in the sense that it’s convenient. For example, in my Snaps and on Instagram I wear certain outfits, lipsticks, nail polishes, and use certain products so instead of commenting back to every person who asks me where something is from, I link it on my blog on the Shop page.
I’m sure there are even some people out there who don’t ask bloggers where they get things from for whatever reason, so having a central hub where readers can buy the stuff you have is a no brainer.
how to get started with affiliate links
The 3 most well-known affiliate link programs are Amazon, RewardStyle (aka LIKEtoKNOW.it), and ShopStyle. I personally love and use ShopStyle because they were the first (and only I think) competitor to RewardStyle which is an exclusive “invite only” platform.
Well, I don’t like to leave people out and at the time I started using affiliate links I didn’t have enough followers to be considered on RewardStyle and ShopStyle welcomed me with open arms. This is a prime example of great customer service because now that I do have enough followers for RS, I’m kind of turned off by them.
Plus I think ShopStyle is partnering with some really cool bloggers, which is giving them a leg up on RS. ShopStyle is also implementing new technology like shoppable Snapchats (which I talk about in my newsletter).
For starters, decide which platform you want to get on and do it!
Amazon’s program only remains active as long as you’re active so for me, I didn’t use Amazon a lot so I shut it down but if you’re a health and fitness blogger, Amazon is a great affiliate program to partner with. And like I said RewardStyle is invite only so if you’re just starting you may want to look into Amazon and ShopStyle first.
Any questions, email me at brittany@notanotherblonde.com.
What’s your favorite affiliate link program? Tell me below!
xx
8 Comments
Passant
08/19/2016 at 11:36 amI don’t get the part that you say “your get money per click on link!!” I’m using Linkshare and I only get money when people actually buy the product or another from the site within 30days IF I’m the last site they clicked the shop site from. How and where does that work??
brittany
08/21/2016 at 10:17 pmStop using Linkshare. Shopstyle Collective or RewardStyle is the way to go or you can use all 3 or just 2 but I find that to be confusing. I like all my money in one place. 🙂
Passant
08/22/2016 at 8:04 amMe too! I start using Shopstyle but I wanna know one thing, I just read that you’ve to located in the states, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, or UK! Is there anyway to be at any other country and still using the service?
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brittany
08/22/2016 at 3:40 pmHey Passant! I’m not sure what you mean by that… I’m based in the U.S. Does Shopstyle not support other countries? xx
Brenea
12/14/2016 at 12:09 pmThank you for this insight, seriously thanks! I wasn’t aware of Shop Style’s affiliate program. I am going to try it. I already had some success using a brand’s affiliate program, even though I made a small amount of money I was still grateful because that is something I have never done before.
brittany
12/15/2016 at 8:16 pmYou’re welcome Brenea! Shopstyle is my favorite by far! Let me know how it works out for you. By the way, a little money is better than no money! You’re on your way. Stay in touch! xx
Winnie
08/28/2018 at 6:29 pmShopstyle is my favourite.
Brittany
10/04/2018 at 10:40 amThey’re the best, right?!